9 Things Dermatologists Are Dying to Tell You About Your Skin

They say beauty is only skin deep. Only?! Skin is our body's largest organ, and when it's clear, hydrated, and radiant, it signals wellness on the inside too. The secrets top M.D.'s share with their favorite people will make you look younger and feel healthier.
Start Anti-Ageing Now
"When someone asks, 'When do I deal with this line between my eyes?' I'm tempted to say, 'It was time to deal with it when you first noticed it!' I can be blunt like that with family, so when my cousins asked, I told them my philosophy: Clean up your room before it gets too dirty. If you begin with small amounts of Botox or filler in your early 30s when lines start forming, the muscle movement that creates wrinkles is restricted sooner, so you likely won't develop deeper ones. That said, it's okay if you've put it off. Botox, Fraxel, and fillers work into your 40s and beyond; you'll just need somewhat higher doses since the damage will be greater. Most people have it backward: They're worried about overdoing it by coming in too frequently. But if they came earlier and more often, I wouldn't need to do much, so it would cost less and look more natural." —Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., director of 5th Avenue Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai in New York City

Made a Change? Your Skin Knows
"A friend called me about an itchy rash on her face. When I saw her red, swollen bumps, I realized it was rosacea. So many things can trigger rosacea, even if you've never had it before: coffee, milk and cheese, chocolate, red wine, spices. I could have put her on antibiotics, but instead I asked her what had changed in her diet — I knew she was a healthy eater and didn't drink alcohol but loved coffee. Turns out, she had recently started taking it with cream. She stopped, and the inflammation disappeared within a week. If you're having a problem, it helps to think about anything that's new, even if it seems small. Your doctor might make a connection that can get you relief." —Valerie Goldburt, M.D., cosmetic dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City

Don't Do What You Always Do

"One close friend of mine told me that she sleeps with makeup on — in fact, she's been doing it for decades without any problems. But now that she's in her mid- 40s, she's started to see cystic acne. She tried numerous medications to treat it and nothing worked. When she stopped wearing makeup to bed, it vanished. The moral of the story isn't to wash your face at night; that's a given. It's that what worked for your skin years ago — or even six months ago — can change. Good skin care means being attuned to your skin's needs. So don't resist mixing up a routine that's always worked for you if it no longer does." —Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D.
Magnifying Mirrors Are Like Fun-House Mirrors

"Those 20x magnifying makeup mirrors just kill me. All you can see in them are flaws! Nobody should look at you that closely except dermatologists, since that's our job. To the untrained eye, seeing your skin magnified that much encourages picking at otherwise imperceptible blemishes. Plus, it contributes to a poor sense of self because it literally magnifies your imperfections. My mother is in love with them; her excuse is 'I can't see to put my makeup on.' She won't listen to me! I tell everyone I know that if they really can't apply makeup without glasses, find a mirror with magnification of just 5x to 8x that only corrects for nearsightedness." —Dendy Engelman, M.D., associate dermatologic surgeon at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City
Stop Touching Already!

"The vast majority of my acne patients touch or squeeze their spots. It's called skin picking, and actually, many dermatologists do it too! So I don't get on people about it. Sometimes you don't realize you're doing it; I have patients who are literally picking in front of me, and when I'm like, 'Are you picking?' They say no! You can't just tell someone — or yourself — to stop, so you need to focus that anxious energy on something else. When one of my girlfriends found herself constantly picking, we discovered that if she wore a rubber band on her wrist and snapped it whenever the impulse arose, it worked to stop her picking. If you want to try something less dramatic first, I tell people to try squeezing a stress ball, or even just go out for a little walk." —Dendy Engelman, M.D.
Spend More Time Between the Sheets

"At lunch recently, a friend was saying that she took care of her skin but still felt like it was missing that youthful glow, so I told her to have more sex. Obviously, it's good for your relationship — but it also gives your skin radiance. Sex releases anti-inflammatory hormones and endorphins that help combat stress and aging and boost immunity. All that gives you a healthy, postcoital flush. When women are more sexually active, their estrogen levels go up, which improves skin overall by increasing moisture and promoting collagen production. So I encouraged my friend to start having sex more often than whatever she currently was having. We had a giggle about it, and she seemed happy to follow my advice!" —Debbie Palmer, D.O., cofounder and medical director at Dermatology Associates of New York in Harrison, NY, and Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, CT
Good Skin Needs a Schedule

"So many friends ask me for product recommendations, and when they do, I remind them that applying formulas at the right time is as important as choosing the right ones. The rule is: Daytime is for protection and nighttime is about repair. Smooth on an antioxidant serum in the morning to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules created when you're exposed to UV light and pollution. They contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin — that's what leads to wrinkles and dark spots. At night, there's no UV to block, so that's a good time to apply moisturizer or serum that contains peptides or retinol; those are proven to stimulate collagen, which'll reduce existing wrinkles and spots and prevent new ones from forming." —Mary Lupo, M.D., director of Tulane University Resident Cosmetic Clinic and clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans
Beware the Margarita Sunburn

"A good friend came back from vacation with a strange-looking rash on his forearm that looked like someone had dripped brown paint on it. I asked if he had been drinking margaritas, and he looked at me like I was psychic. The reason is that psoralen, an organic compound found in lemons and limes, makes skin supersensitive to UV light, causing a chemical burn called phytophotodermatitis. It's so common that it's jokingly called 'margarita sunburn.' He treated it like any other sunburn, with a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy, and it faded away." —Rebecca Kazin, M.D., associate director at Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC
You Can't Scrub Away Chicken Skin

"I live in South Florida, where we wear sleeveless shirts and tanks year round. My best friend constantly had small, reddish bumps on the back of her arms. That's usually keratosis pilaris (KP), which is an excess of keratin, the main protein that makes up hair, nails, and the skin's outer layer. When keratin clogs the hair follicles, you get KP, which people commonly mistake for rough skin that they think they can exfoliate away with a scrub mitt or loofah mitt or loofah. That's what my friend was doing, but friction was only making it worse. I told her to apply an over-the-counter steroid cream until the redness subsided, followed by a moisturizer that contains glycolic acid, which will dissolve the excess keratin that's plugging up pores. Scrubbing won't do anything but irritate your skin!" —S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., founder and cosmetic dermatologist at Miami Skin Institute and associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Your Sunburn Cure Has Been in Your Fridge All Along: It's Cold Milk!

It's the first warm day of the year and you finally get to ditch the jacket and soak up the sunshine. Life is good ... until a bright red sunburn shows up. While your best bet is always sunscreen and shade, it's all too easy to overdo it on your beach days. That's why this DIY soother comes in handy the next time you forget to lotion up the back of your neck.

A cold milk compress can actually speed the healing of your burn, according to board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in Manhattan and Long Island, New York.

First things first, sunburns are more than just tenderness and peeling. "In a sunburn, your DNA gets damaged by UV light, which can cause a skin cell to die," Dr. Mudgil explains. "This in turn leads to the release of pro-inflammatory proteins which cause redness, inflammation, swelling, and pain."

Most of us reach for moisturizer to help soothe the sting, but your fridge actually contains a powerful home remedy that's better than any regular ice pack. Next time, try soaking a washcloth in some skim milk and using it as a cold compress.

"The cool milk helps pull heat away from the skin," Dr. Mudgil explains. "Vitamin A and D in milk are antioxidants, which can help assist healing the skin. The lactic acid in milk can help exfoliate some of the dead skin cells away."

Out of milk? That's not the only pantry item that can help. Yogurt provides a similar effect, and antioxidant-packed black tea or soothing oatmeal baths can also help counteract inflammation.

Then there's good ol' aloe, which may promote the healing of first- and second-degree burns, according to the Mayo Clinic. (You can even grow your own supply at home!) OTC pain relievers like Motrin, Advil, or Aleve can also take away some of the discomfort.
While all of these items can provide relief, the one thing you should absolutely not do is pick at any scales or blisters that form. If a blister does break, gently wash it with soap and water and cover it with antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

And before you forget, stock up on the top sunscreens tested by the Beauty Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. These formulas checked off every box in our test and can help you avoid future misery. (Just don't forget to apply some on your back!)

Teens Are Burning Themselves With The 'Deodorant Challenge' And OMG WHY?!

I can totally get behind healthy challenges (what up, plank-a-day?). The same goes for challenges for a good cause (I see you, Ice Bucket Challenge). But my challenge threshold stops at crazy-dangerous or why on earth would you do that? levels. A.k.a. the newest challenge among the youths: the "Deodorant Challenge."

Wait... What is the Deodorant Challenge?

It involves spraying an aerosol deodorant on your skin for as long as possible. If it sounds painful, that's because it definitely is—and people have been blowing up social media with scary images of the burns it can cause.

One mom recently posted a viral warning on Facebook for other parents after her 10-year-old daughter got severe secondary burns.

"For any parents who have children, please, please sit them down and show them these pictures," British mom Jamie Prescott said in the post. The pictures show her daughter's arm three weeks after attempting the challenge. Jamie says her daughter still might need a skin graft.

How long has the Deodorant Challenge been a thing?

This may seem like a new, totally unhinged trend, but people have been inappropriately playing around with aerosol deodorant for years (don't ask me why, IDK).

USA Today pointed out a 2010 study in the journal Pediatrics, which covered the case studies of two people who got first-degree cold burns from deodorant sprays when sprays lasted 15 seconds. Another 2009 study, this time in the journal Burns, reported on seven patients treated at an Australian hospital with cryogenic burns from aerosol deodorant.

So...do all aerosol deodorants cause this kind of burning?

The good news: If you’re a fan of these products, you don't have to stop using yours out of fears of pit burns. “When used properly, aerosol deodorants and antiperspirants are safe,” says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D.

While aerosol deodorants aren’t the same as, say, stick, roll-on, or spritz deodorants, it's not the deodorant itself that’s the problem. “The can contains antiperspirant as well as a combination of gasses known as propellants that help move the antiperspirant out of the can,” says Zeichner. He says the propellants cause a "cooling effect" than can irritate the skin if exposed to them for too long. This is what most likely caused a chemical burn on the skin, he says.

7 Ways to Take Care of the Skin Below Your Chin

1. Exfoliate Your Elbows

Friction is the problem; rubbing against clothes can make the skin on your elbows and knees dry and leathery, says New York dermatologist Erin Gilbert, MD, PhD. In the shower, gently use a loofah to power away dead skin, and follow up at night with a moisturizer that contains softening urea. We like Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Fragrance Free. 

2. Hydrate Your Nails

"As we age, our nails can get dry and brittle, and then peel and split," says Meghan O'Brien, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Drench them in a heavy salve such as CeraVe Healing Ointment.

3. Nix Body Bumps

Prone to acne on your butt and back? Use a bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide wash, says Diane Berson, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Try PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash. 

Also, reach for noncomedogenic creams and lotions (they won't clog pores), and wear moisture-wicking natural fabrics on hot days so sweat and oils don't get trapped against your skin.

4. Don't Forget About Your Chest

Stomach or side sleeping, wearing sports and push-up bras, and collagen breakdown from sun damage can all lead to lines on your chest, says Bay Area dermatologist Katie Rodan, MD. Soften them by smoothing on a cream with wrinkle-reducing Vitamin A. We like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer.  To prevent new cleavage crinkles, use a moisturizer with SPF in the morning, and try to sleep on your back.

5. Remember Your Hands

When was the last time you coated them in SPF before heading out into the daily solar assault? Exactly. "Our hands get as much sun as our face, yet we rarely protect them," says Texas dermatologist Sherry Ingraham, MD. Then, to add insult to injury, we slosh them around in a sink full of harsh dishwashing detergent. Use SPF, and put on those rubber gloves (even if they make you feel like a 1950s housewife).

6. Take Care With Your Neck

The delicate skin here contains fewer oil glands, making it more susceptible to dryness, itching, and redness. "Shop for moisturizers and anti-agers that don't have alcohol-based propylene glycol or fragrance, two leading causes of irritation on the neck," says David Bank, MD, founder of the Center for Dermatology in Mount Kisco, New York.

7. Use the Right Coverage

Yes, self-tanners give pasty legs a safe, sunless glow. But you may want to avoid them if you've got brown sun spots, which can absorb the lotion and get darker, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. Instead, go with leg makeup like Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup.

Get Better Skin by Next Week With These 9 Beauty Foods

There’s a good chance that the increase in temperatures and rise in pollen countthis month have already taken a toll on skin. And while switching to lighter moisturizers, cleaning that air filter, and exfoliating every night can help, one piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: diet. For example, that bag of salted pretzels isn’t exactly delivering a boost of antioxidants. But according to Los Angeles–based nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, you can actually get a jumpstart on better skin in just a week by consuming these key natural ingredients, which provide the building blocks for a healthier complexion. After all, you are what you eat.

Lemons
Snyder suggests that every client begin his or her day with some hot water and lemon. “It detoxifies the body by helping your digestive system and liver eliminate waste quickly,” she says. Continue drinking this throughout the day, and squeeze lemon on top of salads and in green juices.

Sweet Potatoes
Adding these beta-carotene-rich starches into your daily diet can actually combat lackluster complexions. This is due to “the magical skin-brightening combination of Vitamin A and Vitamin C,” says Snyder, that “work to neutralize cell tissue-damaging free radicals” that cause the dreaded dulling effect. Sweet potatoes are also full of biotin, which stimulates hair and nail growth.

Almonds
While you probably already know that almonds are a healthful snack, they are also a beauty food, as they’re loaded with Vitamin E. Snyder names this nutrient as “the skin-beautifying antioxidant, since it’s present in human epidermal tissue, [where it] creates smoothness and suppleness.” There’s also research to suggest that Vitamin E may help fight signs of aging “by protecting skin against the damage caused by ultraviolet rays,” she adds, “while nourishing the skin from drying out.”

Chia Seeds
These free radical-fighting seeds are packed with minerals and fiber and the perfect balance of essential fatty acids—the latter which Snyder credits for giving that “glow.” (Taking an algae-based DHA supplement can help too, she notes, “to ensure you’re getting the proper amount of Omega-3 fats,” which contribute to a balanced mood and healthy heart.) Sprinkle them into smoothies and fruit salads, or soak them in almond milk overnight for a satisfying dessert.

Pineapple
“When your skin needs to look good, this fruit is a wonder food,” says Snyder, “and tastes incredible.” Pineapple benefits skin by improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and removing toxins from the body. What’s more, it also helps in the production of collagen.

Beets
“The powerful antioxidants in beets help fight signs of aging to keep skin firm and youthful,” says Snyder. Their combination of minerals and vitamins (folate, Vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium) stimulates cell production and repair, protecting skin from premature aging and wrinkles. Snyder recommends adding the root vegetable to your morning juice along with apple and a hint of ginger for a delicious cleansing boost.

Figs
This fruit’s tiny seeds are saturted with nutrients that help cleanse the digestive track of toxins and mucus, which, according to Snyder, may prevent important nutrients from getting to the skin. “This process is vital to enhancing that inner glow,” she notes. Since they are naturally high in sugar, Snyder recommends limiting your daily intake to only a few.

Spinach
This leafy green is high in Vitamin A, necessary for growth in skin and hair. “Spinach is also loaded with Vitamin C, imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen,” according to Snyder—making it a no-brainer for any meal, juice, or smoothie.

Medjool Dates
Dates are high in fiber and a perfect sweet treat to aid in cleansing. “They are rich in copper,” Snyder says, “which is an important mineral that helps the body absorb iron and form collagen and red blood cells.” Plus, they make for a great sugar alternative in baking and cooking.

How This Beauty Editor Is Tackling The Ultimate Challenge

By day, Kristina Rodulfo is a senior beauty editor—which means she's busy tracking lipstick trends, directing photo shoots, and running off to beauty industry events. But it's after hours when she really kicks into high gear: training for her first New York City Marathon. "I have two passions in life—writing and running," she says. "I first fell in love with running when I was on the high school track team, but it fell off. So, I set a goal for myself: I am going to run the New York City Marathon."

On November 4, 2018, Kristina will join about 50,000 other men and women from all over the world to trek 26.2 miles through all five boroughs of New York City. As an NYC-native, this goal has particular meaning for her.

Kristina's training includes doing some kind of cardio every day. Her Fitbit Versa™ silently reminds her with a subtle vibration and flicker of light when it's time to switch gears into training mode. "I run four to five miles every day, and as long as I have good music in my ears, I can keep a pace and stay motivated," she says. She loads her Fitbit Versa up with playlists that keep her pumped, and starts a run in the Exercise app to track her progress—not just the distance, but her heart rate and calories too. This way, at the end of her run, she can sync her watch to the app and compare her progress over the week.

Kristina's Go-To Training Tool

Make it your own with interchangeable bands (sold separately): classic bands (peach, gray, black, periwinkle, white), Horween leather (cognac brown, midnight blue, lavender, saddle stitch), stainless steel links (black, silver, tapered silver), and stainless steel mesh (black, silver).

Is It A Cold Sore Or A Pimple? Here's How To Tell

Pimples and cold sores have a LOT in common. They love to pop up at inconvenient times (like right before a date), they thrive on stress, and they can be a b*tch to cover up. And when they pop up near your lips, they can also look identical. Literally the worst form of squad goals.

So how do you tell the difference between a cold sore or pimple? First, you need to understand their causes. Pimples are the result of inflammation caused by clogged pores and bacteria. Hormones can play a major role as well. “In women, hormonal acne typically manifests as pimples along the chin and jawline,” says dermatologist Maura Caufield M.D. But you can get them practically anywhere on your body, from your forehead to your butt.

Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by the herpes simplex virus. “The virus is contagious and is transmitted by direct contact with an active lesion. Once you have the herpes virus, it establishes life-long latency in nerve cells and can be reactivated in the future,” she says. Translation: Once you have it, you'll likely have flare-ups—often in the same area (like your lips)—for your whole life. “Triggers of reactivation include stress, sun, fever, and cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments and chemical peels.”

Cold sore or pimple: What is it?

You can tell the difference between the two by seeing how the lesion looks when it's first forming. “Cold sores typically start as a cluster of small fluid filled bumps at the edge of the lip, which then become open sores,” says Caufield. There's often a tingling or burning sensation that goes with it. Then as the cold sore begins to heal, it will often form a scab. This isn't generally the case with pimples (unless you popped or picked at it!).

If the bump keeps showing up in the exact same spot, and it's the only area on your face that looks like that, it's probably a cold sore. “If you have similar lesions on other areas of the face, it may be a flare of acne,” says Caufield. If you’re still unsure, it’s smart to go see a dermatologist before you begin a treatment plan.

Okay...how do you treat them?

For acne, prevention is always key. “This is best achieved with a nightly retinoid cream such as Differin Gel, which is now over the counter,” says Caufield. “Anti-bacterial washes such as benzoyl peroxide can be preventative as well.” If you get a pimple despite your efforts, try dabbing it with benzoyl peroxide cream or another favorite acne spot treatment.

There is no cure for the herpes virus, so the best way to treat cold sores is with medication that helps reduce their duration and symptoms. “The best treatment is a short course of an oral anti-viral medication prescribed by your doctor, most commonly valacyclovir,” says Caufield. You should start taking the meds as soon possible after the outbreak, ideally within a day or two, in order to see the best results. According to Caufield, over-the-counter topical medications for cold sores may help, but aren't as effective as the anti-virals. Check out these other natural ways you can help treat and prevent them as well.